Page 76 of A Festive Surprise

‘Yeah, for sure. I should look for other things.’ Of course this couldn’t last.

‘There will be lots of other jobs on the estate.’ Archie gave a little smile; his expression was warm. ‘I’m not kicking you out. You can have the cottage as long as you need it, no strings attached. I don’t want you to feel used and abused. Khalif told me you were talented at your job and I’d like to help you get back to that. If that’s something you’d like.’

‘I would, but my qualification is not accepted here and I don’t have a computer.’

Archie rubbed his chin. ‘I didn’t think about that. I have a laptop at the house you could have just now. Maybe not the most up to date but you’re welcome to it. I wish I’d considered that sooner.’

‘You’ve already done enough.’

‘Hardly. Nothing I’ve done has been any trouble. Why don’t you call in later and I’ll give you the laptop?’

‘It’s very generous.’

‘Consider it a Christmas gift. Georgia will probably want to wrap it up in bows and strings and use half a roll of tape in the process.’

Farid smiled. ‘She is very lovely.’

‘Yes, she is. And I’m very lucky. We only met two Christmases ago. Best Christmas ever.’ Archie’s eyes lost focus for a few seconds and he seemed to watch something play out in his mind.

‘I’ll come round later. Thank you.’

‘No problem.’ Archie clapped him on the shoulder. ‘And go home, give yourself a break. You deserve it.’

Go home? To face a cold empty house?

---